Hamlet the Clown Prince

Synopsis

Shakespeare’s best known play is brought vividly to life as a bunch of clowns attempt to put on their own production. As they try to understand it they make a mess of the work, sometimes misinterpreting the text, sometimes making a mess of the order of things as if the pages of the script got mixed up, sometimes confusing their own lives with their fictional characters. But through it all they are simply looking for the essence of Hamlet and trying to find a context for our own times. Hamlet the Clown Prince swept the boards at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards, India’s most prestigious theatre prize, winning best play, best director (Rajat Kapoor) and best actor (Atul Kumar).

Our Review:

Damian Robson - 8 March 2011

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this production, but having picked up the promotion material on my last visit to Northern stage, I was intrigued.

As I write this, I am delighted I have had the opportunity to see such a wonderful cast perform a really thought provoking ‘slant’ on a much performed classic.

Being told that no one dies in Hamlet at the beginning of the play, you wonder how they are going to re-tell the story, especially when you are also told that there will be tears at the end? What can be in store. Mind you, these are clowns in charge of the proceedings.

Their version of the Shakespearian masterpiece, the greatest play ever written some would say, is a delight from start to finish. A troupe of clowns, with personal issues and niggling jealousies, are performing their version of Hamlet. Although life’s trials and bitterness among the troupe overtake the playing of the great bard. Simmering underneath e...

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Latest User Review

Ruth Khan - 10 March 2011:

The play deserves many many stars. It was very engaging and beautifully put together . Superb ensemble cast....

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